All Forum Posts by Steven McAllister

Re: fleece or polartec?Regarding wind resistance, I consider wind resistance a moot point when combined with an outer shell. In fact that is one of the reasons I like fleece, it is highly breathable and allows you stay ...

Montbell potsI have the Montbell Cooker #2.
It is supposed be 1.3 liter capacity.
I show it will hold just over 1.1 liters.
Sounds like they may be adding the capacity of the lid?
Most people would pr...

tarp coverageYes, hang your tarp lower if you think you could get wind blown rain/snow.
I am also a big fan of the Warbonnet hammock sock when the weather could be cold/wet/windy.
I set it up ready to use w...

Montbell pots@Delmar,
Yes, aluminum flashing would be nicer than the foil. The foil that I use is almost as heavy as flashing material. It is the type that they sell in art supply stores, kind of in-between ...

Montbell potsMy pot of choice is a wide shallow Montbell pot.
I ditched the lid. It was too heavy.
I now use am aluminum foil lid.
The lid could be nice for those that could use it as a shallow skil...

Favorite guy line?Lawson's, Zing-it and other slick line are great for bear bag line, and that is how I use it, but it's not my preference for guy-lines because of the way hitch knots can slip sometimes.
...

Q: colder weather hammock gearOn the subject of hammock socks or bottom quilt covers, I think having good breathability is important to reduce any moisture gathering inside you sleep system.
The exception would be if you use...

All Reader Reviews by Steven McAllister

RailRiders Eco-Mesh ClothingI wear both the shirt and the pants when sun and/or bugs are an issue.
They are light, well ventilated and flexible.
Mesh ventilated sleeves on the shirt protects arms from bug and sun. Loose fi...

Melanzana micro grid hoodyGrid fleece is more hydrophobic than standard fleece, but not quite as warm without a shell. Great for cool days.
Put a wind shell over the top and you have a warm combination that breaths well and k...

Integral Designs Silcoat CapeThe biggest complaint that people seem to have about this cape is that it doesn't extend below the knees.
I personally prefer this as it works better when hiking in rough terrain or when wearing ...

Mountain Laurel Designs Monk Tarp SpinnakerThis makes a great summer or emergency ultralight shelter. Add a bivy and it could be used year round.
I had problems with the durability of the spinnaker version. A couple tie-outs are starting to...

Six Moon Designs Serenity NetTentAlthough most people use this combined with the Gatewood Cape, I have used it many times under an Oware Alphamid and I'm sure it would work great under many other pyramid shelters.
It is lighter...

Equinox 8 X 10 silnylon tarpAlthough it has grommets instead of tie-outs, the grommets are reinforced and can take abuse.
It has mid-point tie-outs that help make it a more versatile shelter.
A great step up from the stand...

Integral Designs Siltarp 2A good all around tarp.
It does not have any mid point tie-outs like Oware and others have.
This limits your pitch options, but if all you use is an a-frame or flying diamond pich, this is perfe...

Oware Flat Tarp 2.5You will not find a more flexible shelter.
Square shape and multiple well placed tie-outs means more pitch options than most shelters.
9'x9' means big enough for a variety of conditions. ...

Gossamer Gear SpinshelterThe GG Spinnshelter has much of the flexibility of a flat tarp, but easier pitch in a storm-proof mode.
It sheds wind well and is fairly roomy when pitched high.
You may not be able to fully sit ...

Gatorade BottleOn problem with sports drink(Gatorade) bottles is that the cap is made out of a different more brittle material. I have experienced the caps breaking many times from being dropped when full of water.
...